Houston has plenty of cooking classes to go around. From Central Market to Sur La Table to various cooking schools around town, there’s something for every taste and budget. But many local restaurants, bars and coffee shops also offer unique classes that will help you become a better cook and gain a deeper understanding of your drinks. Learn about wine, coffee, Indian spices and more at these fun classes we found around town.

Pondicheri

Want to learn how to cook Indian food? At Pondicheri, Anita Jaisinghani’s Indian street foods restaurant, you can learn how to prepare full Indian-inspired meals. Classes are offered the first and third Wednesday of every month with themes that change every three months. Past classes have included barbecue and marinades, Indian spices, vegetarian cuisine and the fundamental techniques of Indian cooking. The $110 price tag includes everything you need for the class, dinner, beverages (including wine) and a recipe book. See upcoming classes.

Blacksmith Coffee

David Buehrer’s Montrose coffee shop is well known for its expertly roasted beans and carefully prepared coffee. And now the Blacksmith team is sharing its knowledge with the public in classes. Launched in January and led by John Letoto, Blacksmith’s head roaster and coffee educator, the classes cover topics ranging from latte art to the basics of coffee tasting. Classes are announced one to two months at a time so check Blacksmith’s calendar  for new offerings and to register. Prices range anywhere from $80 to $150.

Sparrow Cookshop

Chef Monica Pope’s Midtown restaurant is currently closed but Pope is still opening up the space for her popular cooking classes. Offered twice a month, the classes show home cooks how to prepare delicious meals using what’s available at the farmer’s market. Pope leads students through the preparation of the evening’s menu -- be ready to prepare a dish or two -- and then everyone sits down to enjoy the meal. The cost of the class is $35 per person. Check out upcoming classes and sign up here.

Public Services Wine & Whiskey

Want to up your wine and whiskey knowledge? Justin Vann’s downtown bar has you covered. Vann, the former sommelier at Oxheart, offers classes about once a month on topics such as lesser known sparkling wines, international whiskies and natural wines. In each class, you’ll enjoy about six beverages with tasting notes and snacks from Oxheart. What’s not to love? Coming up on August 27, Vann is offering a crash course on sherry that will teach you the basics of this age-old drink. Classes are held on Saturday afternoons and start at $50. Sign up and check out the class schedule.

Julie’s French Pastries & Coffee Shop

At her small Memorial area French bakery, Julie Clemenceau serves freshly baked croissants, quiches, crepes, and other French treats. She also teaches home cooks how to prepare these delicious dishes at home. Julie’s fall classes kick off in September and cover topics ranging from crepes to pate au choux. She also plans to introduce gluten-free baking classes starting in January. Fees start at $55 and as a bonus for parents, Clemenceau welcomes kids age 7 and older to take the classes.

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen

Sylvia Casares has been sharing her cooking secrets with eager students for years at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen. During fun, hands-on classes Casares takes students through the ins and outs of preparing popular Tex-Mex dishes, from chile relleno to South Texas-style soups. Coming up on August 27, Casares will help students master the art of making tamales at her Tamale 101 class. View upcoming classes and register here.